It looks like you possibly can’t take the streets out of some people.

According to AllHipHop, 50 Cent may be reverting to old habits as he is being accused of “pulling up” on a former drug dealer who sued the television producer, alleging that the rapper based his Power series on him.

According to court documents that were obtained by the media outlet, Corey “Ghost” Holland Sr., who is suing Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), claimed that the Get Rich or Die Trying recording artist came to his place of residence, not once, but twice in 2021. Holland accused 50 of retaliating against him for filing the lawsuit.

In the paperwork filed, Holland wrote, “50 Cent shows up about a half mile from plaintiff home, and plaintiff sees the same truck that pulled into his driveway at the 50 Cent event. So plaintiff realizes it was either defendant Jackson or his Entourage who decided to ‘Pull Up.’

“When you looking for a confrontation your honor, this is what people say, nowadays. Up to this point, plaintiff had ignored a lot of ‘subliminal attacks’ on him online, but now 50 Cent is bringing the drama right to plaintiff front yard, so plaintiff responded to 50 Cent the way any normal person would respond to a possible threat, plaintiff prepared himself for whatever was go happen.”

AllHipHop previously reported that, in 2021, Holland filed a billion-dollar lawsuit against 50 Cent, Courtney Kemp and the STARZ network insinuating that Power was based on his life.

Holland alleged that the seven acts in a CD he released, Blasphemy, are identical to the seven seasons of the Starz television series, as well as the first two seasons of Power Book II: Ghost.

He also claimed that back in 2007, the former drug dealer mailed a copy of that CD to Kemp’s father. The album had an autobiographical song where he raps about being a “drug lord.” He fell in love with his “teen crush” who was Puerto Rican and found out from his drug trafficking partner, who happened to be white, that she now worked in law enforcement.

50 Cent’s legal team called the lawsuit frivolous and stated that because the last showing of Power aired in February 2020, and the lawsuit was filed in April 2021, he missed the one-year statute of limitations under New York law.

Gospel legend CeCe Winans is opening up about when she turned down Whitney Houston’s offer to appear in the iconic “I’m Every Woman” music video due to the song’s “demonic” lyrics.

In a now-viral clip, Winans explains how “when you aim to please God….then a lot of offers that come my way…I don’t even have to think about.”

She then brought up her late friend Whitney Houston. She recalled the R&B superstar asking her to appear in her “I’m Every Woman” video, Houston’s hit 1993 rendition of Chaka Khan’s original 1978 version. Houston tapped several prominent Black women in music to appear in the visuals, including Chaka Khan, TLC, Valerie Simpson, and her mother, Cissy Houston.

To date, the video has garnered over 80 million views on YouTube, and CeCe could’ve been among the music greats featured in the video. But according to Winans, her “Dear sister” Whitney knew she wouldn’t appear in the video but decided to ask anyway.

“I said, ‘You’re absolutely right.’ ‘Cuz it started off with ‘I can cast a spell.’ I’m not singing that,” Winans explained.

The “Mercy Said No” songstress called out the “demonic” lyrics in the classic R&B song and those who the seemingly ungodly lyrics can easily entertain.

“But notice how that message was all wrapped up in a beat, right? Y’all get so hooked up on these beats and it’s like demonic,” she quipped.

“You’re listening to demonic stuff and you’re wondering why you don’t know what’s going on. You can’t listen and look at everything. God says, ‘You’re either for me or against me. You’re either with me, or you’re not.’”

Once the video surfaced online, Winans received mixed reactions from those who disagreed with her religious views on the classic R&B record and those who understood her sentiments.

“I love cece winans but this ain’t it,” one person tweeted.

I love cece winans but this ain’t it . pic.twitter.com/DOuLTnM2B1

— whit (@legendofNippy) February 28, 2023

“Cece Winans is a Christian. This is not at all contradictory in terms of her faith which she’s always been consistent about,” added someone else.

“Her words & actions are totally in line with her Christian beliefs. She ain’t half steppin. She’s keepin it real as a Christian. What’s the issue?

“We are talking about Whitney houston and chaka though. And it’s not meant to be literal,” one user wrote in response.

Some people talk about it, some people be about it.

Without a doubt, hip-hop recording artist Vic Mensa falls in the latter category. According to TMZ, the rapper he took to the streets to help raise awareness for homelessness in Chicago.

On Tuesday night, he joined his friend Englewood Barbie in her efforts to raise $1 million to help build a shelter for the unhoused. She has been documenting the efforts on her Instagram account.

TMZ captured a video of Mensa supporting his friend in her “sleepout.”

“We outside tonight in Chicago,” he said, braving the cold. “Sleeping underneath the viaduct raising money to help my homegirl Englewood Barbie build her own shelter to provide for the unhoused of Chicago.” Barbie is seen speaking to other participants who helped to raise more money on top of the $126,000-plus she has already collected.

Mensa added: “It’s cold as f**k, but it’s wild to think that people have to live outside every night. In the wintertime, people freeze to death, so we’re taking this moment to honor that experience and do our part to work to make the city a better place.”

Shaq has no problem showing off his dance skills so it’s no shock that he hit the “gritty” while visiting his alma mater, Louisiana State University.

The NBA legend stepped foot on campus to support his daughter, high basketball star Me’Arah O’Neal, who was visiting as a potential recruit, according to Outkick.

 

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A post shared by Mᴇᴀʀᴀʜ “ᴍᴇᴇᴢʏ“ ᴏɴᴇᴀʟ (@mearahoneal_)

While the O’Neals were there, Angel Reese, one of LSU’s star players, took the time to show them around campus. She joked around with the father-daughter duo and claimed she wanted to stay another year just to play with Me’Arah. She fit right in with her potential future Tiger teammates, posting TikTok videos with Reese and fellow player Amani Bartlett.

@mearahoneal Sistas @Maniii @angel reese ♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW – STURDYYOUNGINN™️

Shaq got in on the fun with his daughter and the girls by showing off his “griddy” skills. The dance was made popular by fellow famous LSU alumnus, Justin Jefferson, the star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. He is known for hitting the dance during NFL games.

@angelreese10ITS A PARADE INSIDE MY CITY YEAHHHH ♬ original sound –

With all the fun and games, Shaq and Me’Arah snapped some photos for a professional photoshoot. Shaq considered revisiting his glory days after Moore asked him if he thinks he could beat her one-on-one. “I know I can,” Shaq answered as Moore laughed.

@angelreese10 just another day at LSU @mearahoneal ♬ original sound – angel reese

The basketball world’s eyes are on the O’Neals. An LSU takeover wouldn’t be surprising. O’Neal’s son, Shareef, is currently a Tiger, according to Sports Illustrated. Me’Arah is a 2024 prospect, and while she has no made public announcements about where she’ll play ball, the six-foot-three standout is already a hot hoops topic.

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

March 2, 2023

Some McDonald’s Franchisees Uncomfortable With Cardi B and Offset’s Date-Night Meal Bundle

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McDonald’s just wanted customers to have a “hot meal for a hot date.”

The new McDonald’s meal bundle featuring rap couple Cardi B and Offset has been receiving some pushback from franchisees.

According to Bloomberg, some owners argue that using the rappers in its advertisements violates the chain’s “Golden Arches Code,” a global set of marketing, advertising, legal, and trademark policies all McDonald’s franchisees, employees, agencies, and suppliers must adhere to.

A 2021 copy of the marketing code states that “Partnerships with celebrities and influencers that have potential risk to damage our brand based on statements they have made or their positions on certain issues” aren’t permitted. “Music partnerships associated with content that includes offensive language in the lyrics,” were stated as forbidden in the copy.

“It’s kind of a culture-shock thing when you consider the McDonald’s brand over the years,” former franchise owner and consultant Dick Adams said. “Especially if you’re a franchisee and you’re 50 or 60 years old and you don’t have any kids and haven’t been exposed to any types of these lyrics.”

when i say go share the Cardi B & Offset meal today, this is what i mean pic.twitter.com/sovhLntHp9

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) February 14, 2023

“I have talked to many franchisees who are concerned about it, but it’s good for sales and corporate endorses it,” Adams said, adding that he doesn’t think there is a lot of pushback.

The concerned franchisees believe the rappers are putting the corporation at risk because the rappers’ music contains profanity and sexual content. McDonald’s said the corporation is careful in avoiding the use of offensive language, and the new marketing is driving sales and accumulating a new generation of customers.

“We’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the center of culture,” Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer for the U.S. market, said in a statement. “Cardi and Offset are an iconic couple who have their own date-night tradition at McDonald’s that goes back years. We’re proud to share a little piece of that.”

The 2,175-calorie Cardi B & Offset Meal Bundle includes a cheeseburger, side of BBQ sauce, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, large fries, two large drinks, and an apple pie.

• Business

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 2, 2023

Black CEOs Are Running Some of the Largest Fortune 500 Companies

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Headlines of major layoffs have been circulating for weeks. However, you should be prepared for a new set of employees moving in.

According to Forbes, there will be a record number of Black CEOs running Fortune 500 companies. Chris Womack, has been named the next CEO of utility giant Southern Company, the first Black person to sit in that seat. Days prior to the announcement, Calvin Butler got the job for CEO of Exelon Corporation, largest electric parent company in the United States.

“The day it happened I sent Chris a text and said, ‘I’m proud for you, and I’m happy for us,’” said Butler, a longtime friend of Womack. “Chris is one of those people who’s been around the industry a lot longer than me, and he represents opportunity that should have existed a long time ago.”

Butler and Womack aren’t the only ones with a seat at the table: Lloyd Yates became CEO of utility NiSource last year; Rosalind “Roz” Brewer at Walgreens Boots Alliance; Marvin Ellison at Lowe’s; Rene Jones of M&T Bank; Craig Arnold at Eaton; and Frank Clyburn of Flavors & Fragrances.

According to a study at Guilford College in North Carolina, 16 Black CEOs were hired between 2000 and 2020. One interesting fact is that three of the C-suite level executives are in the utility industry, where Black men are more known for wearing hard hats.

“I actually think it’s coincidental,” Yates told Forbes. “I think it’s just a point in time when there’s been a lot of CEO transition in the industry, and I know the three of us were prepared.”

However, there is still work to be done when it comes to representation. White men still represent 7 in 10 of the 533 named executive officers across the board, according to USA Today. Close to one in seven executive teams were made up of only white men just last year. Women are still on the low end of the hiring game—only 17% have been named executive officers. And only 17 arehere have been at least five new Black CEO appointments in the S&P 500 women of color.

Police officials have issued an arrest warrant for University of Georgia offensive lineman Jalen Carter for his alleged involvement the January 15 car accident that killed Devin Willock and UGA football staffer Chandler LeCroy.

According to People,  the two vehicles had been racing each other before they crashed. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said that Carter is wanted for reckless driving and racing. CNN reported that the football player surrendered to police in Athens, Georgia, on Wednesday night.

Police say Carter, driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, and LeCroy, who drove a 2021 Ford Expedition, were racing each other shortly after leaving Athens, Georgia, around 2:30 a.m.

At the time of the accident, police believe that LeCroy was speeding at 104 miles per hour while drunk. He had a blood alcohol concentration of .197, at the time of the crash.

“The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed, in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other,” police said in a statement to People.

BREAKING: Athens-Clarke County PD issued arrest warrants to UGA star defensive lineman Jalen Carter for reckless driving & racing.

Devin Willock, UGA player, & Chandler LeCroy, a staff member, died after crashing their car.

Investigators say alcohol/speed were factors in crash. pic.twitter.com/6YHvJmGYFs

— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) March 1, 2023

Carter, who is projected to be a top pick in next month’s NFL Draft, released a statement via his Twitter account Wednesday.

“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens, Georgia, police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” Carter wrote. “Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023.

“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”

pic.twitter.com/NbqNfIytBm

— Jalen Carter (@breadmanjalen) March 1, 2023

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Carter had previously given misleading statements to police officers at the scene of the accident. He reportedly told police officers that he heard the crash from an apartment building nearby. In another statement, he claimed he had been driving behind LeCroy and denied he had been racing.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 2, 2023

LeBron James Collaborates With PlayStation on Limited Edition Console Cover and Wireless Controller

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has teamed up with PlayStation to design a limited edition PlayStation 5 console cover and Dual Sense wireless controller.

PlayStation also announced that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is a part of their new PlayStation Playmakers program.

James posted the controller to his Instagram page Wednesday.

“Had fun with this one @playstation!! 🎮 These words inspire me and my I Promise students and I hope do the same for gamers all over. Still crazy to think a kid from Akron who grew up playing games is getting to create something like this! 🙏🏾👑 #PlayStationPlaymaker #ad”

 

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The specially-designed PS5 accessories will be available in select countries around the world.

In a written statement, James said, “It’s still crazy to think a kid from Akron who grew up playing games is getting to create something like this. Designing a console cover and controller with PlayStation that gives a nod to my I Promise students and where we come from is a pretty cool thing. I hope it’s something that continues to inspire everyone who touches it, and that they have a little fun finding meaning in every detail.”

James is just one of many PlayStation Playmakers. The company has also recruited a whole raft of celebrities, including country music star Jimmie Allen, actor and comedian King Bach, professional BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, WNBA All-Rookie NaLyssa Smith, NFL stars Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb, French football freestyler Lisa Zimouche, Belgian football star Romelu Lukaku, and 0Brazilian content creator Julio Cocielo.

“King” James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer last month when he toppled the record held by six-time NBA MVP and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had held the record for 39 years, mostly thanks to the sky-hook.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 2, 2023

Say What? Former Black Fire Chief Claims Slavery Was A Part of ‘God’s Plan For America’

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Slavery is undeniably part of American history, but saying it was in God’s plan is a major stretch.

Former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran turned heads during a Black History Month celebration after starting his speech with patriotic context. In an unlisted video on YouTube, Cochran alluded that slavery was a part of God’s plan for America. He says that “everything that happens in American history is His story” while pointing to the sky.

“Slavery in America did not catch God by surprise,” Cochran said. “In his sovereignty, God allowed Africans to be brought to America as slaves. Africa was on the eve of social, spiritual and economic catastrophe and famine — still going on today. So, He brought 6 million Africans to America through the Middle Passage as slaves.”

His sermon-like speech didn’t get much applause from the members listening at the Department of Labor event. Cochran quoted scripture and claimed God “allowed Africans to be brought to America in bondage.”

Cochran is known for his conservative beliefs and has been in hot water for them in the past. NBC News reports he was suspended for 30 days in 2014 after an assistant fire chief raised concerns over a book the 63-year-old gave to his staff. “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” is a Bible study book by Cochran. The content allegedly included homophobic comments such as gay people and those who engage in pre-marital sex “naked” are wicked and ungodly sinners. He also called homosexuality a “sexual perversion,” comparing it to bestiality.

The incidentledd to Cochran being fired. After winning a settlement from the city of Atlanta for $1.2 million, Cochran claimed the book would help other “victims of cancel culture.”

He concluded his speech with lyrics from the song “This Land Is Your Land,” followed by awkward applause from the audience. “African American history is American history,” Cochran said. “Many of you in this room know what it’s like to come from a single-parent home, many siblings, on welfare. We’ve got some history makers of the African American community in this room.”

Radio host Rickey Smiley revealed in January that his son, Brandon, had passed away. The comedian recently disclosed that his son may have died of a drug overdose.

On Thursday, March 2, Smiley did an exclusive interview with Today and discussed the circumstances surrounding the death of his 32-year-old son. In the first public interview he has given since Brandon died on Jan. 29, he speculated that he may have died of drugs, admitting that his son has struggled with addiction for some time.

He talked about getting the phone call from Brandon’s girlfriend with the tragic news.

“I was in Dallas in my apartment getting ready to watch the playoffs, and his girlfriend called. She said that, in her words, that he had OD’d.”

As he hurried to get himself to the airport to fly out to see Brandon, he received a second phone call from Brandon’s younger sister, Taylor. It wasn’t a pleasant call.

“I got a phone call on my way out the door … that he had passed. She was crying.”

A toxicology report has not come back yet, and authorities have already ruled out foul play but have yet to determine the cause of death. According to what Brandon’s girlfriend told him, the assumption is leaning toward his suspected drug use.

“This is just what we’re speculating, according to his girlfriend, who found him unresponsive,” Smiley said.

Smiley reiterated that his son had a problem he was battling, which may have been the reason for his death. The comedian even mentioned that his path to normalcy was in place as he had just gotten baptized recently after joining a church.

“He was struggling with that,” Smiley said. “His mother and I made several attempts to try to send him to get the help that he needed — send him to rehab. We thought that he was doing better — he had just joined the church, and he had just gotten baptized again probably a month before he passed away.”

“He used, and it killed him,” Smiley said.

Although no parent is ever prepared for a child’s passing, Brandon’s death has given Smiley some perspective.

“Deep inside, I was kind of prepared for it, but at the same time, when it happens, you can never be prepared because that’s your child,” he stated. Smiley added that God “kind of gave me a sense … I understand what’s out there.”

“The God that we serve is just awesome — He has given me peace that surpasses all understanding. If anything makes me cry, it’s God’s goodness to be able to get out of the bed, to be able to do my morning show, to be able to protect my kids, my grandkids, and the rest of my family. So, I just thank God for His grace and His mercy.”